MLB.com Twins beat reporter Rhett Bollinger keeps you up to date on all Twins news

Twins decline Nathan’s option

MINNEAPOLIS — The Twins declined closer Joe Nathan’s $12.5 million club option for the 2012 season, the club announced today.

The Twins will instead exercise a $2 million buyout on Nathan’s option, which makes the veteran right-hander a free agent.

Minnesota, though, can still retain Nathan by signing him to a new deal, and general manager Bill Smith said the Twins are interesting in bringing back Nathan.

“I spoke with Joe and his agent this morning, and expressed our interest in re-signing Joe,” Smith said. “We will remain in contact with them as we move forward into the free agent process”

Nathan, who turns 37 next month, posted a 4.84 ERA with 13 saves in 48 appearances totaling 44 2/3 innings last season. He pitched much better after a stint on the disabled list that began in late May after suffering a setback related to the Tommy John surgery that kept him out of action in 2010.

After making his return on June 25, Nathan posted a 3.38 ERA with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 appearances over 29 1/3 innings while converting 11 of 12 save opportunities.

The 11-year veteran is the Twins’ all-time save leader with 260 saves in seven seasons in Minnesota. He picked up save No. 255 on Aug. 10 to become the franchise’s all-time save leader, passing Rick Aguilera, who the set the previous record with 254 saves from 1989-98.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.